The Stepsisters are busily preparing for the court ball. Cinderella sits quietly by the fire looking at her mother’s portrait and think of happier times. Her father wishes to be kind to her but is afraid of his bad tempered stepdaughters who scold him for comforting Cinderella. Cinderella, using her broom as her dance partner, dreams of dancing with a prince at the ball, creating a lovely solo tinged with sadness and humor.

Her dream is interrupted by a beggar-woman who asks for alms. The Stepsisters send her away but Cinderella gives her bread. The old woman leaves, giving Cinderella a kind look.

Dressmakers, shoemakers, hairdressers, a jeweler, and a dance master arrive to prepare the Stepsisters for the ball. All but Cinderella leave for the ball.

Cinderella returns to her dreams. The old woman re-appears and reveals herself as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. She calls on the Fairies of the Four Seasons and their attendants who bring gifts to reward Cinderella for her kindness and prepare her for the ball. Cinderella leaves in a coach escorted by the Seasons and the Stars; the Fairy Godmother warns that she must leave the ball before the clock strikes midnight or all is lost.